Saturday, February 09, 2013

Hebrews

Hebrews is the closest thing in the New Testament to a sermon. It's an in-depth interpretation of Jewish history and religious symbolism to show that Jesus is the Messiah that the Jews were waiting for. It was probably written to Jewish Christians in Rome. (Certainly it was written before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD).

This illustration for the book of Hebrews is one of sixty commissioned by Lion Hudson for 'Simply the Bible'. For anyone who finds the Bible a bit daunting, or simply wants a brief overview, 'Simply the Bible' (published in June 2013) provides a clear and simple introduction to each book.

Numbers

Numbers is a travel book. It tells the story of a journey which takes the Israelites from Sinai to the borders of Canaan. After 40 years in the wilderness, a new generation prepares for the task of entering the promised land.

This illustration for the book of Numbers is one of sixty commissioned by Lion Hudson for 'Simply the Bible'. For anyone who finds the Bible a bit daunting, or simply wants a brief overview, 'Simply the Bible' (published in June 2013) provides a clear and simple introduction to each book.

Monday, February 04, 2013

1 Chronicles

And now for the highlights. The first book of Chronicles is an official portrait of King David … with hefty airbrushing. It's a Photoshopped version of 2 Samuel with all the blemishes removed: David is given the full-on hero treatment. There's no mention of the seven year civil war, and nothing at all about Bathsheba. David is the powerful king who makes Jerusalem great, who plans the Temple and brings the Ark of the Covenant into the city. He's powerful because he trusts in God.

This illustration for the first book of Chronicles is one of sixty commissioned by Lion Hudson for 'Simply the Bible'. For anyone who finds the Bible a bit daunting, or simply wants a brief overview, 'Simply the Bible' (published in June 2013) provides a clear and simple introduction to each book.

1 Kings

The book of Kings is a documentary, taking us from the death of David through the reign of Solomon and on to the splitting of the kingdom into two separate nations, with their many kings and rulers. With the kingdom divided, Jeroboam (king of the northern tribes) creates a new religion and erects two golden calves in a bid to rival worship at Jerusalem.

This illustration for the first book of Kings is one of sixty commissioned by Lion Hudson for 'Simply the Bible'. For anyone who finds the Bible a bit daunting, or simply wants a brief overview, 'Simply the Bible' (published in June 2013) provides a clear and simple introduction to each book.

Sunday, February 03, 2013

Ecclesiastes

Inspired by M.C. Escher's drawing of a never-ending staircase, this illustration for the book of Ecclesiastes is one of sixty commissioned by Lion Hudson for 'Simply the Bible'. Ecclesiastes is one of the most surprising books of the Bible: a cynical, weary summary of the apparent pointlessness of life. The 'Teacher' looks at all of life – everything under the sun – and concludes that everything is futile, pointless and in vain.

For anyone who finds the Bible a bit daunting, or simply wants a brief overview, 'Simply the Bible' (published in June 2013) provides a clear and simple introduction to each book.

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ABOUT

Since graduating from Edinburgh College of Art in 1993, I've worked as both illustrator and art director. In partnership with other creatives I seek to inform, entertain and challenge using words and pictures - producing lively colourful children's books, illustrating newspapers and magazines, and helping to build global brands such as Virgin, Orange and Benetton. Whatever the client or medium, my aim is to grab attention and spark the imagination!

My work has featured in American Illustration, Graphik, Creativematch, Design Week, Advanced Photoshop and the AOI Images. In 2006 my images for Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class Suite received a Bronze Award from the Association of Illustrators and my recruitment ads for Ecolab were recognised with a GRAMIA (Grocery Advertising & Marketing Award).

In 2008 I illustrated The Rock Bible, which was awarded an editorial merit in the HOW International design awards. My work has also been shortlisted twice for the prestigious V&A Illustration Awards. I draw using a touch sensitive display - the Wacom Cintiq - then colour and finish my illustrations in Adobe Photoshop. I also use Adobe Illustrator to create sequences for animation. I live and work from a farmhouse in the Buchan plains north of Aberdeen (Scotland).